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Do I welcome Americans?

I was 11 years old at the start of World War II and the Americans came to help. I remember that. So, YES, of course I welcome Americans!

Do I welcome Americans?

I come from Beziers. I feel a lot of pride in this region. So I say: Come to discover my country ... don't miss it!

Do I welcome Americans?

I haven't changed any attitudes about Americans. Each person is an individual. You can't judge someone by a preconception.

Do I welcome Americans?

People are people. We're not prejudging anyone. We have a lot to share with you.

There is definitely no anti-American feeling due to the Iraq crisis. Most French (politically interested French) are a little upset that George Bush and the USA media are trying to make it look like France is responsible for the downfall of world peace, but everybody knows this is just political wrestling and we don't take it personally ... Don't let politics spoil your vacation in France.

-- A French bed and breakfast owner in the Loire Valley

Feel free to reassure your travelers that they will be most welcome!!! It's going to be a hard year for many in the world of tourism as these fears are rendering many hesitant. But the French know that a people and an administration don't necessarily share the same opinion ... Americans will be welcomed with open arms by all here.

-- A chef in Provence

This morning two of your clients, who just checked in from the US and two from the UK, were having breakfast and we noted that several French families in the dining room went up to the Americans to tell them how welcomed they were in France.

-- Jacques, a French hotel owner in the Maris district of Paris

We asked our 9 American clients if any of them experienced any such treatment in Paris and each laughed and said, "No, we are having a great time" or "No one has treated us with anything but open arms".

-- A French bed and breakfast owner in the Loire Valley

In light of the current situation with Iraq and the different positions of the American and French governments, I wish to take this opportunity to address certain concerns you may have about traveling to France.

I would first like to emphasize that Americans have always been and will always be welcome in France. Since the late 1940s it is estimated that 35 million Americans, over 12% of the U.S. population, have already come to France at least once in their lifetime.

I am certain that a few American visitors will be asked about the U.S. Administration's policy on Iraq out of concern and a genuine wish to understand. But if indeed, as has recently been reported, there have been some unpleasant encounters, I strongly believe that they were few and far between. Speaking as a Frenchman and for the overwhelming majority of my fellow countrymen, I consider any such behavior embarrassing, offensive and ultimately very ignorant. We believe that travel is about people meeting people to better know and understand each other. In the end, there is much more that brings us together than what divides us. In life it is not the similarities that enrich us but rather the differences. We look forward to demonstrating our true hospitality and friendship on your next visit.

-- Patrick Goyet, Director U.S.A., French Government Tourist Office

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This page last revised April 27, 2003. It will be regularly updated throughout the 2003 season -- as often as once a week, whenever we have new contributions.

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The contents of this web page reflect the opinions of individual passengers and travellers to France, and of people who live in France. Comments are posted to share their experiences.